The 2013 Championship gets under way with a trotter take over.........

The 2013 Championship got under way this weekend .

On Sunday 13th January, 16 trotters showed up at the “Oh my Obelisk!” ran by the Dawlish Coasters. The race was very tough with all the rain fall we have had making the ground very slippery and sticky under foot. Numerous puddles littered the route and some tough road bits too, with a full length hill up to the tracks leading to the Obelisk which was unexpected. The route had been slightly alerted due to water issues. It was the 8th running of the local event around Dawlish.213 runners took part.

David "Tommo" Tomlin raced to victory over the course in 1.14.46 and led the trotter’s home leading the race the whole way.This was his first race in the vet 40 category and there is certainly more to come in his new status. In 3rd place was Garry Smart in 1.16.52 and Ewan Walton ran strongly too and was 10th in 1.21.14.All three men won the team prize too. Next trotter was Craig Churchill in 30th in 1.28.20 with Stephen Barker 36th in 1.29.34.The other trotters came in as follows –Ian Langler 47th 1.31.39, John Tweedie 50th 1.32.06,Wilf Taylor 77th 1.39.07.

Sarah Shutte was the first trottette to appear in 1.41.06 and 85th.Jessica Parkes was 121st in 1.48.23 and Sally Ingledew 138th in 1.55.11.These three ladies won the female team. Sharon"Fizz" Bowman was next in 1.57.41 147th ,Stephen Wallace 1.58.59 151st,Guy Roberts 157th 2.00.55,Ruth Johnson 2.01.00 160th and Eleanor Taylor completed the trotters in 2.06.30 and 186th.

Ten Trotters made the trip to the small village of Axmouth to take part in the annual “Axmouth Challenge”. The course covers a challenging hilly route and is run over mostly quiet country lanes and 'green lanes' Despite being quite chilly at the start, the winter sun shone brightly to provide for an uplifting race experience.96 runners completed the course.

Daryl “Tarquin”Milford ran a strong race and finished in 1.03.39 and gained 3rd place.Lance Mason was 7th in 1.06.15 and 1st vet 50 with Alan Boone not far behind in 11th and 1st vet 55 1.08.17.Helen Anthony was first trottette to arrive in 33rd and 1.18.16.The other trotters did as follows-Mark Becker 1.19.52 and
 41st,Jim Donovan 1.26.00,Tamsin Cook 1.37.55 82nd,Jo Becker 1.40.52 84th,Beverley Dennis 1.41.31 86th and Catherine Barnes in 1.54.03 and 93rd.

But the drama really took place after the event had finished - Tamsin Cook had only just pulled away from the race HQ, with her posse of five Trotters, when she realised that she had a flat tyre! The Trotters left behind managed to successfully change the wheel in near dangerous traffic conditions due to stopping on a blind bend.

(thanks for info Tarquin)

Up in Bideford at Westward Ho ,Graeme Baker was 83rd in the "Brooks Westward league Cross country".
The course was 4 large laps and was 8,400metres.

Report by Fizz

PHOTOS-TOP-The mens winning team at the Obelisk  MIDDLE- The Axmouth gang (minus Jimmy) BOTTOM-Sarah shutte enjoying the race (Thanks Peter Royle-Obelisk)